The new museum and art gallery which will replace the old Woking Galleries has been named.

The £7m project, called The Lightbox, will be set on a 2,000sq m (21,500sq ft) town centre site and has been designed by London Eye architects David Marks and Julia Barfield.

Construction work on the project is underway and the scheme is expected to open to the public by summer 2007.

Facilities at The Lightbox will include a museum, exhibition space, a tourist information centre, café, a retail outlet, educational spaces, research facilities and community meeting rooms.

The renaming of the development follows a research and rebranding initiative to increase the public’s awareness of the scheme.

Director Marilyn Scott said the new identity would also help the project in reaching out to prospective sponsors.

“We are embarking on a £1m fund-raising initiative to fit out the building. This will enable us to bring the community top class facilities which will raise the profile of the arts in this affluent part of England.”

The Lightbox will be operated by a charitable trust.